It’s easy to get to Positano, even if there are no direct public transport links from Naples or Rome.
The best solution is to reach Positano by ferry. For those who prefer to travel by car, remember that it’s always a little difficult to drive on the winding streets overlooking the bay (although you’ll undoubtedly have a fantastic view) and that parking spaces are scarce and quite expensive.
If you’re arriving in Positano to spend the night in one of its magnificent hotels, you can request a porter service. You’ll find porters with their small electric vehicles at the port and at the entrance to the pedestrian zone, near the Chiesa Santa Maria del Rosario.
By ferry
Taking a ferry from Naples, Sorrento, Salerno, Capri or Amalfi is slightly more expensive than the bus or train, but it saves time and traffic, and getting to Positano by sea offers a truly stunning view of the Amalfi Coast.
There are several shipping companies offering this service, and on this secure site you’ll find all timetables, prices and the possibility of booking in advance (recommended to avoid queues at the ticket office).
The ferry arrives in Positano’s small port, Marina Grande, the real center of Positano. From here, you can easily walk to Fornillo beach and the pedestrian street where you’ll find Positano’s best souvenir stores and fashion boutiques.
By car
It’s quite difficult to find free parking in Positano, but it is possible to find paid parking spaces recognizable by their blue stripes.
There aren’t many, as there’s only one street and many spaces are reserved for residents. So it’s best to head straight for one of Positano’s guarded parking lots along the road. If you’re planning to stay overnight at one of Positano’s hotels, ask if they have parking spaces available, or if they offer agreements with Positano’s parking lots.
If you can’t do without your own car to get to Positano by car, take the A3 freeway, exit at Castellammare di Stabia, continue in the direction of Sorrento and once you’ve arrived at Piano di Sorrento, follow the signs for Positano to take state road 163, which leads to all the towns on the coast.
By train
The train does not go as far as Positano, you have to take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples central station.
The journey takes about an hour to Sorrento. Once there, you can take a blue SITA bus to Positano, stopping on the right outside the station. The journey takes about an hour.
By bus
You can take the SITA bus from Sorrento or Salerno.
- From Sorrento: we recommend, if possible, that you sit near a window on the right-hand side of the road for a better view. The bus leaves from the Circumvesuviana station in the center of Sorrento.
- From Salerno: sit on the left-hand side for the best view and excellent photo opportunities. The bus arrives in the upper part of Positano, and you’ll have to walk to reach the center and the beaches.
There are two bus stops in Positano: Chiesa Nuova (closer to Sorrento), and La Sponda (closer to Amalfi / Salerno).
During the high season (from the end of April), buses can be very crowded and you may have to wait up to two hours to board a bus.